Client Testimonials for Cynthya Dzialo

Rachel Petry

Hiring Cynthya was one of the best decisions we made during our pregnancy! I cannot say enough about how thankful I am that we had her expertise and professional care. My water broke and I contrqctions didn't start until 12+ hours later. Cynthya coached us through a fast delivery in order to avoid induction and/or a c section. Her calmness and advise truly out our mind at ease. Her knowledge and assistance made the process smooth and allowed me to deliver exactly how I wanted without medication and intervention. i would highly recommend her for any of my friends and family!

Posted 9/25/2014

Shelley Berke

When I was preparing my "birth plan" for my second child I did some research and realized that I wanted to try to avoid being induced and an epidural like I ended up with for my first child. That conclusion led me to looking for a doula. I was so late in the game but I contact Cynthya via email and we talked on the phone for a while to answer my initial questions and explain the process. She came to our house to meet with us and discuss details, give information etc. Talking with her I immediately felt so comfortable with her and knew that she was the person I wanted to have with us. She had suggestions on books, videos and things to do that we incredibly helpful in what I called cramming for natural birth since I didn't even start thinking about it as an option until I was about 35 weeks. When the time came I called her (in the middle of the night of course) and she came to our house. She was sooo soothing and helpful to me and my husband. She helped me relax, reminded me how to breathe (about 500 times) and provided instructions for my husband. We got to the hospital and she helped with breathing again, positioning, talking with the nurses and my doctor. I was so exhausted but with her help I was able to avoid pain medication. Anyone who knows me would know how surprising and amazing that was! I would (and have) told anyone that is pregnant to get a doula and specifically Cnythya. I am not planning on having more kids but you can bet I will be calling Cynthya if we change our minds!

Posted 6/18/2014

Jenni Johnson

Our experience with Cynthya could not have been better! I hired a doula for the birth of my second child, after receiving a medically induced birth for my first child. I had such a negative and unpleasant experience with that birth, that I knew I wanted something different with my second. I wanted a natural childbirth experience, and I hired Cynthya to help me achieve this. To say she helped me through it would be an understatement. I know I would not have made it to the end, which was almost 24 hours of natural labor and an hour and a half of pushing, without her.Upon our arrival at the hospital that morning, she quickly took over and focused me on the task at hand. I was so thankful for her guidance and gentle spirit during my weak and rough moments. She had so many different tricks for making it through contractions, as well as calming methods for pain and tension. I was very impressed with how she was able to constantly put me in new positions to alleviate whatever was my greatest challenge at the moment. As I faced the end of a very long journey, she gave me the confidence I lacked to finish and was supportive post birth as well.My husband also received so much from her being there. She was able to show him ways to support me as well as guide him through fears or questions he had.We are so grateful Cynthya was a part of our precious daughters birthday! We know the experience would not have been the same without her! We very proudly recommend her for your child's birthday too!

Posted 5/1/2014

Allison Guyton

I can't say enough good things about my experience with Cynthya. I was continually impressed by her enthusiasm, her professionalism, and the extensive network she has developed to completely support her clients. She had great recommendations all the way from childbirthing classes to lactation consultants, and every resource I used was top notch. Cynthya was there supporting me through all 33 hours of labor. Whenever I got tired or discouraged she had some new technique or thought that helped me work through that next hurdle, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't have it to my goal of a (mostly) unmedicated vaginal birth without Cynthya's support for my and my husband. My delivery was a bit complicated in the end but I honestly wouldn't change anything about the experience, mainly because of the way she was able to support us throughout. My baby had some latching/tongue-tie issues after birth, and Cynthya had a great recommendation for a lactation consultant who was so much more thorough and helpful than the ones I saw in the hospital. Cynthya is worth her weight in gold, not just because of her experience as a doula but because of her ability to collect and connect all the pieces so that you can prepare and give birth in the way that you want, and also have plenty of support once the rest of the adventure begins. Whenever any of my friends mention that they're expecting, her name will be the next thing I say to them after 'congratulations'.

Posted 1/25/2014

Rachel Rowe

Cynthya helped make the best of a stressful delivery. She had totally prepared me for my ideal birth and I felt comfort in knowing she would be by my side to help make sure my plan was seen through.

We could not predict getting into a small car wreck that landed us in the hospital earlier than planned. The accident sent my perfect plan for a natural delivery out the window. I was induced at the hospital and was so glad to have Cynthya by my side to help guide me through the labor. She helped me ask questions about procedures and medications and was able to show nurses new positions to help make me more comfortable and help position the baby.

Even though this was not how I ever envisioned my first delivery to be, I'm happy that my memories of it will include a whirlwind of events, a wonderful guide, and a very happy, healthy baby!

Posted 7/11/2013

Amanda Gall

From the moment we sat down to meet with Cynthya she put us at ease. This is not a person pushing her own agenda, she is truly there as your partner, advisor and cheerleader helping you achieve your ideal birth experience.

This support was crucial the day of the birth, of course - we would have had an entirely different, much more traumatic birth experience without her. She worked beautifully with the nurses and doctor at the hospital and always kept the decision making power with my husband and me. Nothing the nurses or doctor did was a surprise, because Cynthya had explained in advance what would be happening next (including the doctor wanting to break my water so we were prepared to say we wanted to wait).

She helped us insist we got the telemetry unit (wireless monitor) which totally changed the direction of our experience because I was able to move around and even have a relaxing shower (where my water broke)! We changed positions multiple times, used the birth ball, the squat bar. We did it all under her guidance!

It was such a relief for my husband to have someone letting him know what to expect along the way, especially when something seemed irregular to him. Together they got me juice/water before I had to ask, warm compresses before I had to ask, honey sticks, you name it. I wanted for nothing!!

Her pain management techniques through the birth, especially the 'transition' portion, absolutely saved me and once again guided us on a much easier pathway through this experience. The baby was never in one moment of distress.

When we talk about our birth now, Cynthya's name is used like some sort of goddess and to say we couldn't have done it without her isn't enough...She changed our lives!

Posted 7/11/2013

Ally Harrelson

I highly recommend Cynthya. I did not have a doula at my first birth, and I feel she made a huge difference in achieving the birth I had hoped for, and the process for reaching that end. She met with me several times in my prenatal period in which she focused on familarizing herself with the history of my first birth and my health to-date, and then of course the plan for the next birth. She stayed in touch also electronically and by phone prior to the birth. During my labor she was a superstar. She supported me by attending to my water temperature, gently reminding me to drink water, suggesting new positions, and coaching my vocalizations so I don't waste energy. Basically, I could focus on me and let her filter all of the information coming at me which is confusing when you are in your 'zone' and I know she was being my advocate, and my husband's.

Posted 3/15/2013

Cely Pena

As first time parents, my husband and I were so grateful to have Cynthya at the birth of our son. During a long and painful labor, Cynthya was patient and caring. The support she offered was invaluable to us and we honestly don't know what we would have done if she wasn't there. She suggested different positions to help me cope with the pain and to try to help me dilate. In the end I ended up needing an epidural and not having the natural water birth that I wanted but Cynthya was non-judgemental and made me feel secure in the decisions I made. I would whole heartedly and enthusiastically recommend Cynthya as a doula.

Posted 1/16/2013

Maggie Pugh

Cynthya was a wonderful doula, and I am so glad that I had her there to help me with the birth of my son. Since I was 8 days overdue, my labor was induced with pitocin, so I was fully prepared and expecting to get an epidural, but wanted to avoid other interventions. Cynthya was amazing at suggesting different ways to cope with the labor pain, and helping my husband comfort me. She did lots of subtle things like turn the lights down, provide heavenly aromatherapy (even my husband agreed that it smelled good and was relaxing), and give me cool or warm washcloths. Since my baby was estimated to be large, and was not low in my pelvis, I wanted to get to 5cm before an epidural limited my changing positions and risked slowing down labor, upping the chances of a C-section. With her encouragement and coaching, I eventually found my rythym and was able to manage the pain. 5cm passed and while I was still open to the idea of an epidural, was gently encouraged to keep up the good work. Cynthya helped me through contractions in various positions out of bed to help engage the baby lower in my pelvis. After almost 14 hours of labor, I delivered a healthy boy who clocked in at 8lbs, 14oz! While an all-natural childbirth was not my explicit goal, I believe that it enabled me to avoid a C-section, and have a positive labor and birth experience. I definitely credit Cynthya for helping me make it through and am very grateful that I had her with me. I would highly recommend her to any expectant moms!

Posted 9/18/2012

Natalie Frank

My husband and I found Cynthya on Bellyhaven's website. Being a first time mother I was very nervous about giving birth. When we met with Cynthya for the first time she was very comforting and made me feel at ease about the whole process, we immediately knew Cynthya would be a good fit for our family. She was perfect!

Cynthya helped me come up with my birthplan and was available via text, email, or phone call to answer any questions I had throughout my pregnancy. She was always very easy to talk too and was never pushy about my wishes for my labor and delivery. During the delivery Cynthya was a tremendous help to me and my husband. She stayed so calm and made sure the hospital staff knew and followed my birthplan without being argumentative. She had great ideas during the delivery to help with my energy level, comfort during contractions, and positions for giving birth. Thanks to Cynthya's help I truly believe my active labor was much shorter, and more comfortable than it would have been without her. My pregnancy and birth were better than I ever expected thanks to Cynthya's calm, and caring help.

I couldn't imagine going through this experience without Cynthya. Her services are invaluable and worth much more than her fee. When the time comes to have a second child my husband and I will absolutely use Cynthya again and highly recommend her to any parents-to-be.

Posted 8/21/2012

Amy D'Unger

I can't speak highly enough of Cynthya Dzialo as a birth doula. We hired her for the birth of our second child. My first birth experience was a bit traumatic. I was in labor for about 42 hours without any use of pain medication, then ended up having an epidural, followed by an emergency c-section. It left me feeling sad and out of control of the experience.

Because of what happened the first time, I was very stressed about the birth of my daughter. I wanted to have a water birth but, more importantly, wanted to feel in control of my labor (no matter how it happened) and to avoid having a second c-section. A VBAC was definitely a high priority for me, aside from the obvious priority of having a healthy baby and healthy me.

Cynthya was very willing to work with me and support me in whatever I chose. I didn't feel like she was dogmatic or imposed her idea of the "right" way to give birth. We talked about pain management, when she should try to dissuade me from asking for medication, and when I was really ready, if necessary. She was supportive of me feeling in control, whether that was with a completely natural water birth or an epidural, depending on how labor unfolded.

This labor ended up being much more intense, with contractions coming rapidly with little time in between. After about 12 hours of early labor and 10 hours of active labor at home, I went to AMC and chose to have an epidural after about 1 1/2 hours there. I was then in labor for another 24 hours at AMC. Through this, Cynthya was patient and supportive. When I started feeling exhausted and scared, she was able to help me focus. She also was able to guide me through turning off the epidural so I could push more effectively, with the outcome being a successful VBAC, a healthy (though very tired) baby, and a healthy mom who didn't tear at all.

Posted 7/9/2012

Erin M Clarke

Cynthya was a great help for me and for my husband during our birth experience. She took time to learn what our goals were with our baby's birth and was a helpful advocate for us in the hospital. My water broke before I started dialating or had any contractions, so I was in labor with pitocin for about 10 hours. Cynthya helped me with my coping mechanisms by continuing to suggest new activities and by helping to direct my husband in ways that he could help. We eventually had an emergency c-section, but Cynthya was great with reminding us of all that we had done and tried already, and how a healthy, happy baby is the ultimate goal. I was very glad to have her assistance and would hire her again!

Posted 5/29/2012

Hannah Guzewicz

Cynthya has such a great warm presence. We moved part way through my pregnancy, but I would highly recommend her services.

Posted 5/16/2012

Emily Theriot

Cynthya assisted during the birth of my son in November 2011. She was a great help to us during my pregnancy and while formulating our natural birth plan and had lots of tips and tricks to try to jump start labor when our little bundle of joy was late. I had to be induced at 42 weeks and was pretty anxious that I wasn't going to have the birth experience I hoped for (natural unmedicated waterbirth...maybe next time!). Cynthya could not have been more calming, comforting, and supportive. She helped us try every trick in the book to go without pain meds, and then when I eventually decided I needed the epidural, she was the person who advocated for me when both my husband and midwife kept asking me if I was sure (at this point, I was REALLY sure). She helped my husband and I consider the pros and cons of all of our decisions, but was always respectful of the choices we ultimately made - I never felt like she had an agenda she was pushing on us. I honestly cannot recommend her highly enough. No matter what type of birth experience you are hoping for, you will not be disappointed if you have Cynthya by your side!

Posted 5/15/2012

Mandy Cathy

From the beginning of our friendship, Cynthya was supportive, informative and always a phone call away. I was very thankful to have her as my doula and would highly recommend her. She was not only a good support system for me, but also for my husband and mother/mother in law as they joined me in the delivery room. Through her coaching I was able to avoid receiving an epidural, which was something I wanted to do. She was also very knowledgeable with doctor/hospital terms that were thrown around in labor and delivery that I did not understand. I achieved what I considered the best possible labor and delivery experience in a hospital setting and I would attribute that to Cynthya.

Posted 5/14/2012

Ryan Locke

My birth experience was awesome, and that is in large part because Cynthya was there to support me every step of the way. I didn't have a good idea beforehand what would help me get through labor, but Cynthya had an endless bag of tricks. She really helped my husband be and feel useful, when he had no idea what to do and how to act. She was a calm, enthusiastic, upbeat, and steady presence, and she really had a lot of good ideas to make labor more tolerable and keep me in a good frame of mind. I chose to do an unmedicated waterbirth (in a hospital), and she supported me 100%. I would recommend Cynthya to anyone no matter what their birth plan is, and I will certainly call her again if I ever have another baby.

Posted 5/14/2012

Mary Beth Einhorn

Cynthya was an essential part of my labor and delivery. She helped us communicate with our providers and make decisions when presented with a couple unexpected events, and provided much appreciated support for my husband during the long labor. She even went out to the waiting room to deliver periodic updates to family, and though she was exhausted from a delivery the day before, I could not tell the entire 18 hours she was at the hospital with us! She was an overall source of knowledge, friendship and reassurance during an important day!

Posted 4/17/2012

Kate Herty

Cynthya exhibits a wonderful combination of comfort, knowledge and strength. She has a sweet and calm demeanor that helped me to relax and enjoy even the most difficult moments during my labor and delivery. She is confident in the female body and in her knowledge and ability to work with her clients and ensure a healthy mother and baby. Cynthya is also courageous and creative, and works hard to make delivering a child a rewarding and gratifying experience!

Posted 4/9/2012

Sharon Brady

We discovered Cynthya using a random search online for local doulas and we lucked out! We met her over coffee one morning and fell in love with her style - a perfect balance of modern open-mindedness mixed with traditional care. She provided us with a wealth of prenatal information and helped us make informed decisions throughout the process. She was great at assisting us with our birth plan and ensuring that we were comfortable with our decisions. She never pressured us into any decisions but helped us consider all the possibilities, and the pros and cons associated with each. Even when the time came, and I decided against the natural birth we had originally planned on, she was supportive in her attempts to get me to reconsider. When I wouldn't reconsider, she was accepting and helped me through the rest of the process unbiased. She was wonderful and I would recommend her to anyone considering a doula!

Posted 1/5/2012

Erin Ringstrom

Cynthya assisted during the birth of my son, Lucas, in July of 2009. Cynthya advised me in birthing techniques while I was expecting, helped me formulate a birthing plan, and was a great source of information on all aspects of pregnancy, birthing, nursing, and other postpartum issues. Cynthya was always available for consults and really helped reduce my anxiety about the birth. She was a huge calming presence during a very stressful c-section and stayed with me in the recovery room while my husband went with our baby to the neonatal nursery. She was so amazing, supportive, comforting, and knowledgeable. She even took pictures during our first few precious moments so that we could focus on meeting our new son. Cynthya was also a great help to us during the postpartum period. She helped with the baby and our older daughter. She cooked some meals for us, helped us care for our pets, and helped around the house. She also gave me a lot of nursing support.

I highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone to help them through ANY kind of birth - natural, epidural, induced, c-section. She is reliable, accessible, and a really easy person to get along with. You can e-mail me if you have any questions: ebringstrom@gmail.com.